Hot Box Testing

1. The Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (ERDC-CERL), in Champaign, Illinois aims to realize high energy and construction efficiency in additive manufacturing/construction (i.e., 3D printing) of concrete through Hotbox testing of full-scale additively constructed concrete (ACC) specimens to determine its thermal performance, per ASTM C1363 and ASTM C1224.

2. MAJOR REQUIREMENTS: The contractor will conduct thermal testing in accordance with ASTM C1363 Standard Test Method for Thermal Performance of Building Materials and Envelope Assemblies by Means of a Hot Box Apparatus and ASTM C1224 on an additively constructed wall specimen that is roughly 68 inches wideby 60 inches tall by no more than 15 inches in depth (see photo 1 dimensions and photo 2 similar geometry below). The specimen weight will be approximately 3,500 lbs. and must be tested standing upright in the Hotbox Apparatus. The specimen will contain steel reinforcement, air gaps, and foam insulation in addition to concrete. The contractor will be responsible for:

2.1 Receiving the specimens once delivered by ERDC-CERL

2.2 Rigging, unloading, and loading the specimen into the Hotbox testing apparatus. Maintain the condition of the specimens to complete the Hotbox testing

2.3 Performing Hotbox testing per ASTM C1363 and ASTM C1224

2.4 Providing a detailed technical report of testing and results

2.5 Shipping the specimens back to ERDC-CERL in good condition.

The contractor will include expert opinion and interpretation of results in report deliverable. ERDC-CERL to provide all sample materials. The contractor to provide all other materials and equipment required to execute testing. The contractor to provide labor to prepare test specimens, perform testing, and will provide a detailed test report, and coordinate returning the test specimens back to ERDC-CERL.

Delivery will be to USACE-ERDC in Champaign, Illinois 61822.